Book Review of Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin
A fantastic story about redemption. This book is drama, mystery, suspense, and romance without the ooey gooey stuff. It has a little bit of everything, including a twist ending. A much different set of characters and situations than the Murphy Shepherd books I’ve read. I had no idea what to expect or what this was about, which is not usually the way I start a book. I loved it. Both the approach and the book.
Tyler Steele, who everyone knows as Cowboy, is a retired Texas Ranger. Though, apparently, one never really quits the Rangers. He bumps into Samatha and Hope, literally. She and her ten-year-old daughter are in dire straits. On the run, no money, in bad shape. Tyler takes them under his wing and thus starts an amazing story of relationship, trust, faith, and selflessness.
Mr. Martin’s writing is spectacular as it has been in every book I’ve read of his. This book has two points of view. First person point of view from Tyler Steele. And Hope writing letters to God. As the story goes on, these letters become more intriguing. This ten-year-old represents a relationship with God that many adults need to have. She’s brutally honest, but practical as well. She relies on God for everything.
I won’t characterize this as a Christian novel. It’s a dramatic novel about Cowboy, who is a Christian. His actions characterize how a Christian should live. It’s not preachy. It’s real. It is clean. No profanity, but Cowboy, not being perfect, does swear occasionally. There is romance and suggestiveness, but no on-page sex. Some violence that is necessary. There are some brutal and evil behaviors depicted. Cowboy faces a couple nasty foes.
This is the best book I’ve read this year. Seems every year, a Charles Martin book either starts at the top and stays there or jumps to the top and takes over. Regardless of your religion, this book is a must read. Cowboy and Samantha are damaged people who find a way to repair themselves together.
Thunder and Rain by Charles MartinLove’s True Calling by Lori DeJongThrough Thorny Ways by Jennifer Q. HuntBook of Days by James L. RubartThe Seven Day Resurrection by Chevron RossWith Mercy’s Eyes by D.T. PowellJustice by Jeff HillAlready in the Kudzu by Hannah Hood LuceroThe Last Wife by Matt McGregorLoving the Rodeo Queen by Rebecca ReedThe Misadventures of Itchy Izzy by N.Y. DunlapRanch Showdown by Tina WheelerThe Unhired Hand by R.O. LaneThe Shocking Truth by Steve RushDaughter of Darkness by Ed GormanBurning Angel by James Lee BurkeDeath in the Kremlin by E.J. SimonIrresistible Impulse by Robert K. TanenbaumLine of Fire by Taylor S. NewportThe Longest Day by Terry TolerLeft to Die by Lisa Jackson
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